My Only Wish for Monster Hunter Wilds: PJs for My Pig Companion

I’ve been immersing myself in Monster Hunter Wilds ever since it launched a few weeks ago. At the moment, I’m focused on climbing the ranks in the high-rank environments and trying to decide which new armor set to invest in next. Right now, I’m on the hunt for the formidable Jin Dahaad, but I must admit, the Gravios armor with its tough plating is seriously tempting me, especially since it suits my hammer build perfectly. There’s no shortage of things to keep busy with in Wilds, yet I can’t help but feel like something’s amiss.

What I’d really love to see is the ability to dress up a piglet in cute outfits and carry it around as if it’s a baby.

I’m referring to the beloved Poogie, Monster Hunter’s adorable, floppy-eared pig that’s almost as iconic as creatures like the mighty Rathalos. Poogies have been a staple in the Monster Hunter series for a while now; I fondly recall encountering one in the hub world of Monster Hunter World. Players developed an essential ritual around petting the Poogie, which would reward them with a cheerful tune as they doted on him. Timing is everything—get those button presses right, and Poogie is thrilled! Of course, it wouldn’t be Monster Hunter if things were too easy; mess up the timing, and Poogie will storm off until you complete another mission.

In earlier Monster Hunter titles, Poogie would rove around the main gathering areas. Giving him a good petting before heading out on a hunt supposedly brought luck to astute players, potentially increasing their chances of snagging those elusive monster parts. Despite skepticism and theories swirling in the community, this has yet to be officially documented or confirmed.

Poogie serves more than just the role of a charming good luck charm. Past games allowed players to dress him in all sorts of costumes once his trust and affection were won over. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want their pig decked out in a bee outfit?! When I played Monster Hunter World, I would tenderly carry Poogie in the hub world, staying alert for a controller vibration—my cue that a hidden treasure was nearby for Poogie to unearth. (If you’re curious, TagBackTV offers a wonderful video on how this feature worked.)

In Monster Hunter Wilds, there is indeed a Poogie, but it isn’t until chapter 3 that players get to meet him, and he resides in a village that I seldom visit, unless a specific quest requires it. Admittedly, this version of Poogie does have something special—a chubby frog that perches adorably on his back! However, the interactions don’t quite compare with those from previous games, and sadly, there’s no sign of the charming outfits, like stripey pajamas or a fluffy ram costume. All I’m able to do is pet him and change his name.

With Capcom recently announcing the Title 1 update for Monster Hunter Wilds, scheduled for next week, it seems they’re introducing a vibrant new Grand Hub as an alternative to the camps in the Forbidden Lands. Their 12-minute update teases a host of enticing features, including games and a larger, improved kitchen—an aspect I’m particularly thrilled about, as it hints at a potential return of the beloved Meowscular Chef.

Still, my perfect version of the new hub would only be complete with a cuddly pig to pick up and snuggle. Capcom, hear my plea, and bring on the Poogie love!